clamshell

noun

clam·​shell ˈklam-ˌshel 

1

: the shell of a clam

2

a

: a bucket or grapple (as on a dredge) having two hinged jaws

b

: an excavating machine having a clamshell

c

: either of a pair of doors (as in an airplane tail) that open out and away from each other

d

: a hinged container, case, or cover that opens like the shell of a clam

Examples of clamshell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Exercises that train this muscle include clamshells, side-lying leg lifts, Bulgarian split squats, lateral band walks, and standing hip abductions. —Jakob Roze, Health, 31 July 2025

The company then targeted mid-May but was foiled by a technical issue: On May 15, Eris' payload fairing, the clamshell that protects satellites during launch, unexpectedly popped off while the rocket was sitting on the pad. —Mike Wall, Space.com, 30 July 2025

Keeping your feet together, lift your top knee toward the ceiling—like a clamshell opening. —Aubrey Bailey, Verywell Health, 30 July 2025

Although Apple discontinued the colorful clamshell design after just two years, the Wi-Fi technology remains. —Forbes.com, 18 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1520, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for clamshell

• barbell
• bedwell
• befell
• bluebell
• bombshell
• bridewell
• capelle
• cartel
• carvel
• cogswell
• compel
• dispel

Kids Definition

clamshell

noun

clam·​shell ˈklam-ˌshel 

: the shell of a clam